The Seattle Seahawks have had a healthy 2019 season across the board, with one glaring exception: the tight end position.
Season ending injuries to both Will Dissly and Ed Dickson, the latter just days after he was designated to return from the injured reserve, as well as veteran Luke Willson’s recent hamstring injury have left the Seahawks with few options.
Jacob Hollister, who began the year on the practice squad, has been forced to step into the leading role at that spot over the last month or so.
Hollister has not only filled in the usual run-blocking duties of a Seattle tight end, he has also established himself as a reliable pass-catcher and playmaker for Russell Wilson and the rest of this Seattle offense.
“Jake’s been a stud,” coach Pete Carroll commented on Monday. “He’s taken a lot of hits, he’s delivered a lot of them, man he’s playing good ball. He’s just doing such a good job. I’m so fired up for Jake. Talk about a great pickup. There’s a great pickup for us you know. He’s coming through for us in a big way. Still contributing in a big way on special teams too. I’m really excited about that.”
Hollister had two catches for 22 yards on Sunday against the Eagles, but if it weren’t for a shockingly misplaced throw from Wilson, a wide open Hollister would have easily hauled in his fourth touchdown in the last three games.
The Seahawks are hoping to get Willson back shortly, but fans can bet that Hollister will remain a crucial part of this team’s offense over the last five games of the regular season.
